Civilizational Space of Italy: The Evolution of Economic and Social Development and Inter-Regional Differences

This edition presents a dissertation study devoted to the civilizational space of Italy, with special attention to the evolution of economic and social development and inter-regional differences. The work examines Italy as a complex historical, geographical, social and economic system formed over several millennia, from Ancient Rome to the middle of the nineteenth century. The author analyses the natural and geographical foundations of the Apennine Peninsula, including its location, climate, soils, natural resources and regional conditions that influenced long-term development. A major part of the study is devoted to Ancient Rome, its territorial expansion, political institutions, civil law, economic structure, agriculture, trade, urban development and social hierarchy. The dissertation then explores the transformation of Roman and Italian society in the Middle Ages, including the Great Migration, Lombard expansion, Frankish influence, monastic education, feudal relations and the rise of medieval urban economies. Separate chapters examine Renaissance Italy, focusing on city-states, social change, guilds, crafts, maritime trade, banking and the economic leadership of Northern Italy. The study also analyses the Italian states in the Age of Enlightenment, including economic decline and recovery, poverty, taxation, wages, industry, agriculture, trade and financial policy. A significant section is devoted to the first half of the nineteenth century, with attention to Napoleon’s rule, population, industry, agriculture, foreign trade, customs organisation, seaports, textile production and metallurgy. The author proposes an algorithm for analysing the social and economic transformation of civilizational spaces, using Italy as a model for studying other European regions. The publication is intended for researchers, economists, sociologists, historians, geographers, students and specialists interested in regional economics, social development, Italian history and European civilizational studies.